Big,
SW was climbed by the E face in 1999, though I know what you mean by rumours etc. I know who climbed it, but he is currently out of contact in Tibet and I don't want to speak for him under these circumstances. Corax probably knows who I mean. Anway, there is a good reason the FA is not well known and I will email the guy to see if he wants to tell the story later. I should note that the Germans have been pretty dishonest in a lot of this, though again that's another (related) story. They actually followed the route of FA - because they knew about it beforehand.

Also, the fact that locals don't know any history of climbing there means f#ck all, as it does in many places, but especially in Pakistan. Heaps has been done 'illegally' with or without locals involved. You know yourself just how many peaks are within a short walk from the road.

Right, have updated the first ascent details. Let me know if I've got it wrong ;) It seems the guy does want to tell the story as it's in this months CLIMB magazine! No doubt got pissed off with all the claims on the Salawa sight.